Modified collagen compositions for modulation of jnk

Abstract

Methods and compositions for modulating JNK activity and stimulating efferocytosis in a cell or patient are described. Therapeutic modified collagens comprising a plurality of proteins characterized by Table 1 for use as JNK modulators are also described.

1 . A method of modulating JNK activity in a cell expressing JNK, comprising contacting the cell with a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic modified collagen. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said modified collagen is a hydrolyzed bovine collagen. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said collagen comprises an amount of each of Type I, Type II, and Type III collagen, wherein the amount of Type I collagen is greater than the amount of Type II or Type III collagen, and wherein the amount of Type III collagen is greater than the amount of Type II collagen. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , said modified collagen further comprising hemoglobin and/or carbonic anhydrase II. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said modified collagen is a collagen gel comprising modified collagen of long and short polypeptides, dispersed in an aqueous matrix comprising water and glycerine. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , comprising from about 25 to about 75% by weight modified collagen dispersed in said aqueous matrix, based upon the total weight of the gel composition taken as 100% by weight. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said modified collagen comprises a plurality of proteins characterized by Table 1. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cell is a healthy cell. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said cell is a macrophage. 
     
     
         10 . A method of modulating JNK activity in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising:
 administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic modified collagen composition to said patient,   wherein said modified collagen increases JNK expression in said patient.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said therapeutic modified collagen promotes efferocytosis of apoptotic cells in said patient. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said increase in JNK expression treats JNK-mediated disorder is caused by under-expression of JNK. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said disorder is an inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, ischemic, neurodegenerative, or metabolic condition, infection, diabetes, or cancer. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said modified collagen is a hydrolyzed bovine collagen. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said collagen comprises an amount of each of Type I, Type II, and Type III collagen, wherein the amount of Type I collagen is greater than the amount of Type II or Type III collagen, and wherein the amount of Type III collagen is greater than the amount of Type II collagen. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , said modified collagen further comprising hemoglobin and/or carbonic anhydrase II. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said modified collagen comprises a plurality of proteins characterized by Table 1. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said administering comprises externally applying said therapeutic modified collagen composition to said patient or injecting said therapeutic modified collagen composition into said patient. 
     
     
         19 . A JNK modulator comprising a therapeutic modified collagen, said collagen comprising a plurality of proteins characterized by Table 1. 
     
     
         20 . A method of stimulating efferocytosis comprising, administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a JNK modulator according to  claim 19 .